Page 44 of Chalk It Up

chapter 30

Evie

I wake up to an email notification on my phone and the subject line makes my stomach sink. Maple is nestled in the crook of my legs. I’m a side sleeper and she likes to snuggle real close. I’m definitely not complaining. I love her companionship. Thea and I didn’t stay up too late talking, but I did fill her in on everything that’s going on. Lorraine feeding Larissa information about us, both of them essentially blackmailing me out of house and job, and Larissa dangling Adeline in our faces. Thea was about as ready as August to throw hands at someone, and I still can’t believe I have such loyal people in my corner.

It’s so helpful having so much support right when it feels like everything crashed and burned so quickly right when it was starting to come together beautifully.

I didn’t really want either of us going to bed on a bad note so I also spilled all about mine and August’s date, and how he helped me have the proper form while throwing an axe. She was more than eager to tell me that him choosing an axe throwing place so he could “help me with my form” was beyond intentional. She said it was like choosing mini golf for a first date for the same exact reason.

A guy is only going to choose a sport so he can help you. But hey, you won’t find me complaining about it. I tried to get her to tell me what her plans were that she had the other night while I was getting ready for my date, but she brushed me off really well and changed the subject. I glance back down at my phone.

SUBJECT LINE: TERMINATION OF RENTAL AGREEMENT

What am I going to do? I know August said he would be able to take care of everything, and I didn’t really know how he would, but I had a lot of hope in his confidence. But we ran out of time so quickly. I scan through one of the worst emails of my life because really I don’t need to know everything it says. It’s not going to say the truth.

An evil, manipulative shrew has decided to play puppet master with your life and take every good thing you’ve worked so hard for. Because of this, and the blackmail orchestrated by her equally evil aunt, we will be kicking you out of your house effective yesterday. Tough luck.

It doesn’t actually say any of that and I knew it wouldn’t. But based on my quick scan of it, I have thirty days to clean up and move out. Well, it seems like Thea just gained a new roommate. Two new roommates. I give Maple one last little pet and yank the covers off.

I’m trying to not get angry or be discouraged, but I’m pretty sure that’s impossible. And irrational. I’m talking myself down when I feel my chest start to constrict and my breathing get shorter. This isn’t a problem. I have a place to stay, my best friend would never let me be homeless. And I can find a new place to rent. People in this town like me enough, it should be easy.

Well, that’s assuming they still like once Lorraine busts our scandal wide open. After that, I’m not sure how enthusiastic the town will be to rent something out to the small town hussy. I let out a deep sigh and try to push all my worries into the wind. It doesn’t happen.

I genuinely try to be happy and positive, but I’m about to get out of the bed to go through the motions of getting ready for work when I realize I don’t have any clothes with me and I have no car to drive to work. Just when I think my problems couldn’t get worse, my stomach growls and I remember I didn’t eat last night because I was busy talking to Thea and then knocked out the second my head hit the pillow.

The time on my phone says it’s early enough that hopefully Thea isn’t awake yet. She has a basic nine to five and sadly, teachers have to arrive at their jobs much earlier than that. The plus side to this morning is that I can take time to make some breakfast for both me and Thea before she wakes up. Who doesn’t like breakfast ready for them when they wake up? Thea’s kitchen is thankfully stocked and I get going on some scrambled eggs, bacon, and waffles. It feels like comfort food is needed right now. I just finished making the food, and her coffee pot screamed it readiness when Thea pads into the kitchen rubbing her eyes.

“You made us breakfast?” She says mid-yawn which causes me to yawn too.

“I did.” I plate her food and set it at her little breakfast nook by the window while she pours her coffee how she likes it. “I’m not the best cook in the entire world, but I definitely know breakfast foods.” I could honestly eat breakfast food for every meal, every day. I never get tired of it.

“So what’s your plan?” Thea is devouring her food and I realize she probably didn’t have dinner last night either.

“I have negative plans.” I start as I grab a seat across from her and work on my food. “I thought I had a plan, or at least some hope of a vague concept of a plan, but I got an email this morning that my rental agreement is terminated basically by the end of the year.” I pull my phone out and slide it to Thea so she can skim it too.

Definitely not the conversation I wanted to start the day with, but really, what time of day is ever good for a hard conversation? I guess no better time to discuss than over food.

“Babe, that’s miserable.” And she pulls her coffee to her mouth and slides the phone back to me. “You know you and Maple can stay here as long as you want. I mean, I’m sure there’s a hot single dad who is more than willing to take you in, but I’m always here if you’re not ready for that.” She must be thinking what I’m thinking that if I move in with August, I’ll automatically be in a different role for Addie too.

Which is an impossible solution because we haven’t even had a chance to tell Addie anything. This is such a mess. It was all going so smoothly and I don’t know what to do from here.

“Thank you. As much as I don’t want to put you out or invade your space, I might have to take you up on that until I can find somewhere else to live.” I take a couple more bites of food and realize what I’m actually craving are some hash browns. I’ll make those tomorrow. “That is if anyone will rent to me once they all find out I’m scandalously dating one of my student’s dads.” I roll my eyes and so does Thea.

“You both are full grown adults and you’re not going to be Addie’s teacher forever. People who get hung up on that are ridiculous. Chismosos.” She waves her fork around for emphasis.

“Thanks. I don’t really think the town will see it the same way because everyone loves to have something to talk about and to get worked up about. But here’s hoping.” I hold up my coffee mug and she clinks hers right up against mine. “Since I’m already making your life as inconvenient as possible at every turn, can you give me a ride to work this morning? My car broke down in the lot.”

“That was already the plan.” She wipes her mouth and takes both of our mostly empty plates and puts them in the sink. “Let me just get ready really quick. We don’t want you to be late with, ya know, your whole future hanging in the balance and everything.”

“Ugh, thanks.” I say pushing up from the table. “Hey, as if you’re not already doing enough for me, can I borrow a change of clothes? I forgot to grab some while I was rushing out. I barely made August go back in and grab Maple. I was so worked up.”

“Obviously.”

We both get ready for the day and Thea lets me use her make up remover since I literally don’t have anything on my person except Maple. Mercifully, Thea had just bought some new mascara she hadn’t opened yet and let me have it, so I’m not going to work entirely make-up-less.

I’ve never dreaded work a day in my life. Teaching is the most enjoyable, fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. But today I’m dreading it and thinking I kind of hate Mrs. Johnston, or Lorraine, for doing that to me. I don’t want to get out of Thea’s car because I fear that once I do, I’ll be called into Lorraine’s office and fired.

Might as well have every aspect of my life burn up in one morning. Get it all over with and move on. With that negative resolve, I head over to my classroom with my December-appropriate iced coffee, and get everything on and set up for the kids. Thea stopped at Driftwood for coffee even though we both had some at home, since we plan on having a busy day with the program. Thea being the supportive best friend that she is, plans on coming to the program after work tonight.